Move over Kentucky Derby; this summer in Australia’s outback, it’s all about camel racing. The Lasseters Camel Cup, an annual race held in the Northern Territory’s Alice Springs, is devoted to the “temperamental, terribly unpredictable, very entertaining” sport of camel racing. The race began in 1970 as a means to raise funds for local charities and now has donated several hundred thousand dollars to the local community. Wooden hobby camels are used in the special races for children at the Kids Camel Capers eve, but as for racing the real camels, only seasoned professionals can partake, as the animals run at speeds of up to 40 mph on a special track created for the event. The Honeymoon Handicap race reserved for solely for newlyweds promises to be a good show with husbands starting off the race, then picking up their brides before galloping to the finish. The 2014 race will be held on July 12 is expected to draw approximately 5,000 spectators with its range of activities including belly dancing, rickshaw races, food stalls, and even a Mr. and Miss Camel pageant.

For more information, visit Lasseters Camel Cup.